MDLV vs VTI

Quick Verdict

VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.

Lower Fees: VTIHigher Returns: VTIMore Diversified: VTI

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMDLVVTIWinner
Expense Ratio0.58%0.03%
AUM$43M$663.5B
Dividend Yield2.76%1.07%
Holdings383,543
YTD Return+11.96%+14.96%
1Y Return+16.44%+22.39%
3Y Return (annualized)+12.53%+21.51%
5Y Return (annualized)-+12.36%
Volatility (annualized)10.3%15.4%
Max Drawdown-16.6%-56.6%
Fund FamilyMorgan DempseyVanguard (US)
CategoryEquityEquity
InceptionApr 26, 2023May 24, 2001

MDLV vs VTI Performance

Morgan Dempsey Large Cap Value ETF (MDLV) is a ETF from Morgan Dempsey and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year MDLV returned +16.44% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, MDLV is up 11.96% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.

Over three years, MDLV compounded at +12.53% per year against +21.51% for VTI. Across the full 3-year window we track, MDLV has the edge at +8.29% annualized vs +8.16%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

VTI has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 15.4% compared with 10.3% for MDLV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -16.6% for MDLV and -56.6% for VTI. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.43. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

MDLV charges 0.58% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $58 vs $3 annually, a gap of $55 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, MDLV currently yields 2.76% against 1.07% for VTI.

Holdings Overlap

1.0%overlap

MDLV and VTI share 2 holdings out of 2786 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.0% weight overlap.

Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.

Top Shared Holdings

StockWeight in MDLVWeight in VTIDifference
CSCO3.59%0.57%3.02%
CVX2.82%0.43%2.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, MDLV or VTI?

MDLV has an expense ratio of 0.58% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $55 per year of difference.

Which performed better, MDLV or VTI?

Over the past year MDLV returned +16.44% vs +22.39% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), MDLV annualized +8.29% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, MDLV or VTI?

VTI has been the more volatile fund at 15.4% annualized versus 10.3% for MDLV. Worst drawdown: MDLV -16.6% vs VTI -56.6%.

Should I hold both MDLV and VTI?

MDLV and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.43, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

What is the holdings overlap between MDLV and VTI?

MDLV and VTI share 2 common holdings with a 1.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2786 unique securities.

Which pays a higher dividend, MDLV or VTI?

MDLV yields 2.76% while VTI yields 1.07%, so MDLV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

Get Full ETF Analytics

Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.